Spokane Shock

Former Spokane Shock player Johnie Kirton was found dead in a hotel room in California, two days after scoring the winning overtime touchdown for the San Jose SaberCats.>>

Former Spokane Shock player Johnie Kirton was found dead in a hotel room in California, two days after scoring the winning overtime touchdown for the San Jose SaberCats, the San Jose Mercury News reported Tuesday.>>

Perhaps it came as no surprise that Johnie Kirton, the fullback from San Jose who was found dead in a hotel room in Santa Clara on Monday, was named the Arena Football League's player of the week.

Kirton, who was recently traded to San Jose from Arizona, and who helped Spokane to an af2 championship in 2009, scored the winning touchdown over the Chicago Rush last week. He received an overwhelming amount of nominations for the Player of the Week award, according to the league font office.

News of Kirton's death came as a shock, especially to friend and former teammate Andy Olson, who now coaches in Spokane.

"It was a bad day yesterday for a lot of people," said Olson. "Johnie Kirton was a good friend of mine – I played a full season in 2009 with him. I thought about him all day yesterday. It's one of those things where you just can't believe that kind of stuff happens. Johnie was a great guy, and I'll always remember him."

Olson said Kirton always had a great attitude and was always smiling when he played with the team in Spokane.

"He's going to be missed in the football world and we pray for his family – especially for his family and his daughter."

Few details are known about Kirton's death. The San Jose Mercury News reported that police in Santa Clara said there was no indication that any crime had been committed in connection to his death. SaberCats coach Darren Arbet said it appeared he died of natural causes.

An email address has been created allowing family, friends and fans to share their photos and memories of Johnie Kirton, which will be made into a book for his two-year-old daughter, Jayde. The email is memoriesofjohnie@gmail.com.

On Wednesday, the Spokane Empire announced that they will cease operations and not play football in 2018. This news came as a surprise to many players, including running back Trevor Kennedy, who said he was appreciative for all the support Spokane has given the Empire.

The Spokane Empire have announced that they will cease operations and will not be be playing football in the 2018 season. The Empire's franchise began as the Spokane Shock in the summer of 2005 as a part of the af2 league. During their time in the af2, the Shock won the league championship in 2006 and 2009, while also making the playoffs every year in the league (2006-2009).

Spokane native Brett Rypien was one of 146 student-athletes nominated for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, the American Football Coaches Association announced on Monday. The former Shadle Park Highlander and current Boise State Broncos quarterback has made a name for himself on the field.

Spokane, Washington – The Indoor Football League announced the All-IFL First and Second Team honors for the 2017 regular season. Two Empire players were selected. Both Empire players selected were members of the Empire defense that proved dominate throughout the 2017 season.

The Spokane Empire (8-7, 7-4) will travel to Salt Lake on Friday to take on the Screaming Eagles (4-11, 3-8) and wrap up the 2017 regular season. This is a must-win game for the Empire if they want to make the Intense Conference playoffs.

Spokane Empire SPOKANE, WA - The Spokane Empire (8-7, 7-4) were defeated by the Iowa Barnstormers (13-2, 8-2) in Week 17 of the 2017 IFL regular season at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA by a score of 58-28. It only took three snaps for the Barnstormers to score, as quarterback Travis Partridge connected with Brady Roland to quickly go up 7-0. Spokane signal caller Aaron Wilmer took over and though having success running the ball himself, he could not connect with a pass t...

SPOKANE, Wash. - The Spokane Chiefs came out on the losing end of a tightly contested battle Saturday night, falling 6-5 in a shootout in front of a sell out crowd at Spokane Arena. Both teams traded scoring chances early before Jake McGrew broke through the Giants' defense and cashed in for an unassisted goal on a backhanded shot at 11:43 to put the Chiefs ahead 1-0. Vancouver's Aidan Barfoot responded at 12:16 to tie things up before Spokane struck again, ...

SPOKANE, Wash. - The Spokane Chiefs came out on the losing end of a tightly contested battle Saturday night, falling 6-5 in a shootout in front of a sell out crowd at Spokane Arena. Both teams traded scoring chances early before Jake McGrew broke through the Giants' defense and cashed in for an unassisted goal on a backhanded shot at 11:43 to put the Chiefs ahead 1-0. Vancouver's Aidan Barfoot responded at 12:16 to tie things up before Spokane struck again, ...

Richard Sherman flexes after making the biggest play of his career in the NFC Championship game last Sunday!

Richard Sherman flexes after making the biggest play of his career in the NFC Championship game last Sunday!

Just 36 hours after being released by the Seattle Seahawks, three-time All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman has agreed to a 3-year $39 million dollar deal with the San Francisco 49ers, according to multiple reports. Sherman was one of the faces of the Seahawks vaunted defense known as the Legion of Boom. He has led the NFL in interceptions and passes defended since entering the league in 2011. Sherman met with the 49ers Friday night into Saturday afternoon before agreeing to the deal. ...>>

Just 36 hours after being released by the Seattle Seahawks, three-time All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman has agreed to a 3-year $39 million dollar deal with the San Francisco 49ers, according to multiple reports. Sherman was one of the faces of the Seahawks vaunted defense known as the Legion of Boom. He has led the NFL in interceptions and passes defended since entering the league in 2011. Sherman met with the 49ers Friday night into Saturday afternoon before agreeing to the deal. ...>>